One way of developing an idea for a product, is to consider the properties
of a material first. Select a material and list its physical properties.
Then, select one of its properties and start designing.

EXAMPLE - FLEXIPLY

Thin plywood can be forced to form a curve, but eventually it will split.
Also, normal plywood tends to resist bending. However, flexi ply is
composed of layers of thin plies. This means that it will bend into
various ‘curved’ shapes, quite easily.

The
‘flexibility’ of flexi ply, allows a designer to develop an unusual
product (see following design sheet).

The sketch / drawing opposite, shows how layers of flexi ply can be formed
into unusual shapes.

Normally a jig is made first. This forms the ‘mould’ for desired shape.

Glue is applied to each layer of flexi ply. The various layers are
held firmly in the jig, for twenty four hours, until the glue is dry.

When the flexi ply is removed, the layers are glued together, in the
shape of the mould / jig.

Using this technique, several layers of
thin flexi ply can be glued together, permanently, forming curved shapes /
forms.

Flexi ply has been selected for this unusual MP3 Station. It has been
designed with the physical property of ‘flexibility’, as the starting
point. The flexibility of the material has driven / determined the
development of the design.

Just as an Art Movement can be the
starting point of a design, a material’s properties or a single property
can also be a starting point (see following design sheet, MP3 player -
idea 3 - sheet 1)